What's On at The Land of Oak & Iron
Autumn is Here—Let the Spooky Season Begin!
As we welcome the autumn months, we're excited to announce a series of seasonal and spooky events coming your way!
A Look Back at August
A big thank you to everyone who joined us last month for our Bark in the Park dog show and market! We had a fantastic turnout and would like to extend our gratitude to all the stallholders, participants, and attendees who helped make the day a great success.
Meet the Makers
This month, we're thrilled to showcase two talented makers in our shop:
Sarah Stevenson – 14th September
Cloth Dolly Crafts – 12th October
Both makers will have a featured display in our shop for two weeks leading up to their event day, during which they’ll sell their products directly to customers.
And don’t miss our Meet the Maker Market on Saturday, 21st September, where you can meet even more amazing creators!
Inside Out Gallery: Stephen Buckley
Currently on display is Perambulation (The Act of Surveying) by Stephen Buckley. You can find more information about this stunning exhibition here.
Interested in Becoming a Maker?
We still have a few spots available for our Meet the Maker events near Christmas. As a maker, you’ll receive a dedicated space in our shop to sell your products and benefit from our marketing efforts, including promotion through our social media channels and newsletters. If you're interested, contact us at: landofoakandiron@groundwork.org.uk.
Thursday 12th September, 6:30pm-8pm
Discover the Hidden History of Blaydon Burn with Val Scully
Like the Derwent Valley, Blaydon Burn boasts a rich and fascinating history with surprising international connections. Join us for an evening with local author Val Scully, who will present an illustrated talk delving into the significant triangular area between Stella Hall, the Black Bull, and Blaydon Burn House.
Val’s extensive research weaves together the social and industrial history of the region, all beautifully captured in her fully illustrated book The Wheel of Time. After the talk, there will be a Q&A session, and you'll have the chance to purchase signed copies of The Wheel of Time and some of Val’s other local history titles.
Our evening talks are always a hit, and Val’s events tend to sell out quickly—so don’t miss your chance to attend!
Tickets are just £14.95, which includes a complimentary glass of wine (or fruit juice) and a delicious platter of nibbles (vegetarian and vegan options available).
Paint Around the Lake: Pay-as-you-feel Event
Sunday 15th September, 10.30am-2pm
Ever wanted to paint or sketch outdoors in the company of fellow creatives? Now’s your chance! Join us at the Heritage Centre for a relaxing day of painting in the serene setting of Derwenthaugh Park. Afterwards, head over for our special event, Paint Around the Lake, at the Land of Oak & Iron.
This is a pay-as-you-feel event, meaning you can contribute whatever amount feels right for you. All donations go directly to supporting Groundwork NE & Cumbria, helping to make a positive impact on local communities and the environment.
Enjoy a peaceful day of creativity while giving back—your support makes a difference!
We’ll set up to paint around Clockburn Lake, but you can choose to paint anywhere around the park if you prefer a different view.
The focus will be on producing small studies to capture views or details in the landscape which appeal to you and may be useful in producing a finished painting.
The Heritage Centre will be hosting a follow up workshop 3 weeks after the event in the Map Room. There will be limited places for this one, so you will need to book through the Land of Oak & Iron website. This session will offer the opportunity to further develop your studies and photographs into finished artwork with the guidance of Katherine Rodger as tutor.
Everyone welcome, from absolute beginners and family groups to experienced amateur painters and professional artists.
Bring any painting kit you have. Katherine teaches acrylic painting so if you’d like more specific help with your painting, then we’d recommend that you bring acrylic paints.
We can send a basic kit list for you if you register your attendance. If watercolours, inks or pencils are your thing then bring them along. We’d also suggest that you take lots of photos with your phone or camera. You’ll need something to sit on so a camping chair or picnic mat would be ideal. Hopefully you won’t need waterproofs and brollys!
Geology Walk in Land of Oak & Iron
Saturday 28th September, 10am-12.30pm
Join Geologist Karl Egeland-Eriksen on this fascinating walk learning about how the different types of rock and the valley gorge were formed and the relationship between the geology and the industrial history of the Land of Oak & Iron’’.
The story of the lower Derwent Valley began some 320 million years ago, when what is now Britain lay close to the Equator. The rock through which the river flows began its life as sediments deposited in a vast river delta. Within these strata we find sandstone, shale and coal with occasional bands of ironstone. Much of the bedrock is obscured by vegetation but, along this walk, we will find examples of some of the rock types present.
The valley itself is much more recent. The deep gorge has been incised by glacial meltwaters some 20 000 years ago. When the glaciers retreated they left a cover of boulder clay which forms the top of the valley sides. This too can be seen in places along the valley.
During the walk the processes involved in forming the rocks and the action of the glaciers will be explained along with discussion of the relationship between the geology and the industrial history of the ‘Land of Oak and Iron’.
The walk will last approximately 2 hours and cover just over 2 miles. Walking will be on paths but will involve steps up and down and some uneven ground.
For the walk, you will need to dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy footing.
Booking essential. Tickets £9.50 per person.
Paper Dahlia Sculpture Workshop
Sunday 29th September, 10am-1pm
Join paper sculptor and artist Fiona McKeown on this intricate workshop to craft a stunning, dashing, everlasting dahlia.
Fiona McKeown is a paper artist and florist based in Newcastle, founder of 'Folly + Bird'.
She uses her skills to create exquisite paper flowers and foliage which she designs into stunning bouquets for the home, weddings and events. Fiona is passionate about sharing her skills through workshops and masterclasses.
In this workshop, you'll craft a gorgeous dahlia using the finest quality Italian crepe paper, choosing from a vibrant palette of autumn hues or soft pastels. Under Fiona’s expert guidance, participants will create a complete dahlia, including the stem and leaf.
All materials, including high-quality paper and templates, will be provided, ensuring you leave with a beautiful, everlasting flower—perfect for yourself or as a gift.
Tickets for the workshop are limited to allow quality teaching and 1:1 time with participants, so book soon to avoid missing out.
Tickets £32 including all materials and a cup of tea or coffee from our cafe.
Blacksmithing Workshop
Saturday 5th October- 3 sessions available, 9.30am-11.30am, 12pm-2pm & 2.30pm-4.30pm
'True North Trades' consists of a Blacksmith, Furniture Maker/Woodworker and a General Handyman, they specialise in a range of products, building talents and activities.
We're really pleased that they will be joining us at the Heritage Centre to run their metalworking workshops where you will learn the ancient art of Blacksmithing, using tools and practices that have been used for over a thousand years!
Under their expert tutelage you will learn how to heat, shape, bend and twist a piece of steel from a regular bar into a work of art that you can take home and treasure forever. In this course we will be creating a Viking style armring.
So why not treat yourself to this great workshop - learning the traditional skill of Blacksmithing and taking away something special that you have hand-made yourself. Come along with a friend, or maybe buy the workshop experience as a unique gift for someone special.
Tickets £40 including all materials. Limited places and booking essential.
We're expecting these workshops to be very popular as they were fully booked last year, so please reserve your place as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
A Taste of Italy - An Evening of Languages & Food!
Saturday 12th October, 6.30pm-9pm
We're so excited to have CasaLingua with us at the Heritage Centre - with an evening of fun, food and Italian. Ciao!
Join languages teacher Kim from CasaLingua for a sociable and interactive evening filled with fun Italian activities. Enjoy learning some basic Italian in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, while indulging in a delicious Italian-inspired meal, paired with a glass of Prosecco (or a soft drink) on arrival.
Our Italian inspired menu will be:
Starter: Freshly toasted bruschetta topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, tender spinach, and a drizzle of aromatic olive oil, perfectly seasoned for a light and flavourful beginning.
Main: Rich, Homemade Vegetarian Lasagne, layered with perfectly seasoned vegetables, creamy béchamel, and bubbling golden cheese.
OR
Vegan Mushroom Risotto, featuring earthy mushrooms in a creamy arborio rice, infused with rich herbs and a hint of truffle for a satisfying, plant-based delight.
Please let us know when booking which main option you prefer and any dietary requirements we need to be aware of.
Kim will guide you through Italian basics while you enjoy your meal, and our Café Bar will be open throughout the evening should you fancy another drink.
Whether you come solo and make new friends, or bring along your family and loved ones, this promises to be a delightful night of language, food, and fun!
Tickets £36 including meal and glass of wine. Booking essential.
Please note on the booking form any dietary requirements or allergies (vegetarian/vegan/gluten free options available).
Dog of the Month: Meet Locky!
This month’s Dog of the Month is the lovable Locky! We think Locky more than deserves this title—especially because he definitely didn’t sneak any cake that happened to fall on the floor!
Think your dog could be next month’s winner? Enter today by posting a photo of your four-legged friend in or around our Heritage Centre. Don’t forget to tag us so we can see your adorable entry!
Don't forget to check out our events page to see what other exciting events we have coming up, such as our Howl-o-ween dog event and Folklore of British Birds guided walk.
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